Tribute to the Leadership and Legacy of Warfighter General Robert F. Titus, "Earthquake"

What makes a military leader truly exceptional? Brigadier General Robert F. Titus, known as “Earthquake,” (December 6, 1926 – September 8, 2024) exemplifies the qualities of a remarkable military warfighting career, and in this episode of STARRS & Stripes, we pay tribute to his remarkable legacy.

Host CDR Al Palmer, USN ret, who served under Gen. Titus, talks with Bill Scott, retired editor at Aviation Week and Space Technology and author of the book “Earthquake” about Gen. Titus, as well as Lt General Tom McInerney, USAF ret, a distinguished combat pilot and senior Air Force leader who served with Gen. Titus.

We cover General Titus’s journey from an 18-year-old Army paratrooper to becoming a celebrated Air Force fighter pilot. We’ll explore his 101 missions in the Korean War and his critical role in testing and developing iconic fighter jets like the F-104, F-5, and F-4.

Throughout the episode, Bill, Tom and Al share first-hand accounts and rich narratives about pivotal moments in General Titus’s career, including his involvement in the selection of the F-15 and his heroic actions during the Vietnam War.

These stories highlight the themes of leadership, accountability, and the values that have shaped the armed forces. Throughout there is a deeper appreciation of the rigorous standards and meritocratic principles that define military success.

Delving into contemporary challenges facing the military, our discussion addresses the impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and the ideological shifts within the armed forces. Hear our guests’ reflections on how these changes affect military readiness and cohesion, and why strong leadership and adherence to core values are crucial in navigating these transitions.

This episode is a compelling listen for anyone passionate about military history, aviation, and the evolving landscape of military practices and policies.

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Find Bill Scott’s book, “Earthquake: Brigadier General Robert F. Titus” on Amazon and other sellers.

Description: American fighter pilot and test pilot Brigadier General Robert F. “Earthquake” Titus logged more than 550 combat missions in the Korean and Vietnam wars; flight tested all Century Series fighters; flew the first nonstop trans-Polar flight in an F-100 Super Sabre; shot down three enemy MiG-21s and brought the F-15 Eagle air superiority fighter to life. Read his incredible stories in his own words, as told to author Bill Scott, who sat down with the legend for multiple interviews to learn how it really was.